A community meeting was held in town today to discuss the proposed temporary re-location of members of the Pigeon Hole (Nitjpurru) community. Peter from the NSW Rural Fire Service and Len from the NT Government Emergency Recovery team came to Yarralin to discuss the proposed establishment of a temporary camp.
Located on the Yarralin Sports Oval, the camp would house Pigeon Hole mob until they’re able to return to their own community, once repairs and clean-up have been completed, and services restored. Similar to the Glen Innes Mobile Base Camp in 2015, the tent city would provide at least 15 large 12-person air-conditioned tents, along with toilets, showers, and kitchen cooking facilities.
The Yarralin community were happy to approve the proposal and assist the Pigeon Hole community (located only 2 hours away from Yarralin). Pigeon Hole and Yarralin Community Patrol will be working together with local Police to ensure safety, while NT Government and NSW Rural Fire Service provide the camp facilities. A location has been chosen for a temporary Pigeon Hole school, working with the local Yarralin school.
The camp is expected to be established by 30 April, with members of Pigeon Hole arriving shortly there-after.
Walangeri Ngumpinku Aboriginal Corporation 